December 2016
Bob Dylan
A number of years ago, a family in Minnesota wanted to mark Yom Kippur in a Jewish way – but going to shul was too much for them, so they decided to tour Bob Dylan’s birthplace in Duluth. Their adult daughter, not a big fan, chose to attend Yom Kippur services at her local Chabad.
At the Break Fast, her parents told her about all the wonderful sights that she missed, but she smiled and said, “You visited the house where Bob Dylan was born. I spent the day with him – Bob Dylan was in Shul at Chabad!”
Mazel Tov to Bob Dylan on receiving the Nobel Literature Prize!
November 2016
Go Tribe
These days, Cleveland is experiencing a sports renaissance. For 68 years, fans have been longing for the Indians to win a World Championship and we are almost there.
In Judaism, every letter of the Hebrew alphabet represents a number. The letters in the word “Chayim” (Life) adds up as follows: Chet=8, Yud=10, Yud=10, Mem= 40, total: 68.
Let’s all wish the Cleveland Indians, “Lchayim – To Life!”
October 2016
Shimon Peres
Just a few days ago, former President of Israel, Shimon Peres, passed away. One of his trademarks was that he never retired. He served the country of Israel for seven decades and had plans for much more.
Lately he was quoted as saying, “ Old and young are not a matter of age. A person that has aspirations and dreams of the future is a young person. Once he begins to tell about the achievements and nostalgia and memories of the past, then he is old.”
Peres really lived up to the biblical commandment, “Man is born to toil.”
September 2016
50th
Lately, friends have been asking me how I feel about turning fifty; some get depressed by the thought of being half a century old. But I must say that I am simply looking forward to my Jubilee year.
If every birthday is an important milestone in a person’s life, how much more so when it is a “Jubilee.” In Biblical times, the Jubilee year was a sabbatical; a year dedicated to recharging spiritually.
I am not planning a Sabbatical, but I hope you will join me on a spiritual journey, beginning with a Shabbat Kiddush in honor of my birthday on Saturday, September 10th.
August 2016
Elie Wiesel
"Rabbi Greenberg, I found it enjoyable to listen to you. Chassidism with humor. I loved it."
This was the opening of the keynote speech of Elie Wiesel in 2004 at the Solon Chabad dinner celebrating the grand opening of our campus.
"At one point in my life I thought the Jewish people will never be capable of rejoicing again. And in Chabad I found that joy."
As we mourn his passing, let us continue celebrating Judaism with joy.
July 2016
Shivah/Sheva Brachos
This week, we experienced in our community, the cycle of life. We celebrated the marriage of our son, and at the same time, mourned the loss of a few members of our community.
In Biblical times, Moses initiated that a marriage should be celebrated for 7 days, and deceased one should be mourned for 7 days. That is the origin of Shiva and Sheva Brachos.
We hope that after so many Shiva’s, we will merit to have many Sheva Brachos!
June 2016
Ten Commandments
The “Ten Commandments” is more than just a movie. It is “playing” in Synagogues all over the world on Sunday, June 12th, but not with Charlton Heston.
Shavuot is the holiday that we commemorate the receiving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai in the presence of the entire Jewish nation, men woman and children.
The Rebbe initiated a tradition to bring Jewish children of all ages to the synagogue to be present when the Ten Commandments are read on Shavuot. Looking forward to seeing you there!
May 2016
Elie Wiesel
The Nobel Laureate, Elie Wiesel, enjoyed a special relationship with the Rebbe. In one of their correspondence the Rebbe commented on the famous Holocaust Remembrance slogan: “Zachor.” (lit. Remember)
The Rebbe pointed out that when the word Zachor is mentioned in the Bible, it is a call for action; a command. For example: Zachor the Shabbat – Remember the Sabbath. Thinking about it is not enough; you need to do something to remember Shabbat.
As we approach Holocaust day, on May 4th, let’s “remember’ the past by ensuring the future.
April 2016
When Passover is late….
This year, the Passover holiday is later than ever. Judging by the complaints, it looks like people just can’t wait to eat Matzah!
The truth is, there is a benefit for all of us – now we have more time to clean the Chometz and make sure that we are ready for Passover properly.
And I am not just referring to crumbs. Kabbalah teaches that Chometz represents the Ego. Just like the dough rises, so too our egos. Cleaning out our Chometz is a bigger job than it seems, and for this, more time can come to good use.
March 2016
When Purim falls on Spring Break…
This year, the Public Schools’ Spring break falls out on the holiday of Purim.
If you are one of the families who are going out of town – make sure to take Purim along with you.
Purim can’t be celebrated by Skype and listening to the Megillah online doesn’t really count. It has to be done in person.
Check out the local synagogue and join their Purim Festivities. Show your children that you celebrate your Judaism on vacation too – and the experience will create memories for life.
And if you’re in town, we are looking forward to seeing you on Purim Day March 24th!
February 2016
David Blatt
Many Jews in Cleveland and in Israel were very disappointed by the dismissal of former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt.
Chasidic philosophy teaches that there must be a reason for everything that we experience .
Blatt’s employment at the Cavaliers may have been short-lived, but the impact on the Cleveland Jewish community will stay with us for years to come.
The Jewish pride that he gave to the youth in our city is immeasurable and for this we will be indebted to him forever.
January 2016
Be a Star
A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away, G‑d compared the Jewish nation to the stars in the heaven.
Just as the stars above have served humanity as a compass; to navigate our way in the world, so too, the Jewish people should be the moral compass of the world.
Our mission is to be a shining example of morality and spirituality and to lead the way when navigating the trials and tribulations of daily life.
May the Force of G‑d be with you.